China's maritime renaissance: New documentary chronicles nation's oceanic ambitions

Coinciding with World Oceans Day, China Media Group (CMG) on Sunday debuted a new documentary program exploring China's evolving relationship with its maritime domain.

The name of the program can be translated as "Sailing Toward the Sea." Being the first installment of CMG's new "Nature of China" series, the program examines the intersection of technological innovation, ecological stewardship, and socioeconomic transformation across China's 18,000-kilometer coastline and beyond.

The series is composed of 20 immersive case studies from the deep-sea exploration on submersible Fendouzhe to Xiamen City's successful conservation of endangered Chinese White Dolphins.

The production team employed innovative storytelling techniques, combining aerial cinematography, data visualization and submarine robotics to capture previously inaccessible marine environments. Viewers gain exclusive access to critical infrastructure – including the Xuelong-2 research vessel and the Mengxiang deep-sea drilling vessel – illustrating China's "oceanic leapfrog" in technological capabilities.

Additionally, economic dimensions receive significant attention, contextualizing China's $10 trillion marine economy through grassroots narratives.

Environmental themes are interwoven throughout, emphasizing China's dual commitment to resource development and ecosystem protection. The documentary particularly highlights the nation's marine biodiversity conservation efforts and its role in global ocean governance, presenting these as integral components of China's "shared future" philosophy.

While maintaining journalistic objectivity, the series blends scientific rigor with cinematic storytelling. Complex concepts like tidal energy conversion and deep-sea mining operations are made accessible through dynamic visualizations, appealing to both specialists and general audiences.